Released by Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake Public Affairs Office —

By Desiree Jones

The China Lake, California, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Detachment recognized six of its members on 25 August for their response to a train car break-in near Yermo on June 10. The train car was carrying a D5 Trident first-stage rocket motor.

EOD was recalled to Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake, and then deployed to Yermo, 100 miles from Ridgecrest. An advance party arrived on scene at the Union Pacific Rail Yard at 8:30 a.m. and stabilized the site.

Police, fire, and medical teams assembled and were briefed on the situation. The working party arrived at 8:45 and EOD deployed downrange to the site. Within 30 minutes, initial inspection of the rocket motor was complete, with no signs of damage or tampering to the rocket or propellant grain. Protective equipment was used during all inspections to preserve the crime scene.

A more detailed inspection deemed auxiliary equipment and support systems satisfactory. The railcar was closed to preserve its climate-controlled environment and secured by local law enforcement.

By 11:15, members of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and a weapon transportation expert arrived to make final inspection of the crime scene and the rocket with EOD personnel. The scene was later turned over to NCIS.

Colonel Mark Bamberger, Marine Aviation Detachment, China Lake, commanding officer, presented service awards to EOD team members for their assistance in the Yermo incident. “The Explosive Ordnance Detachment has a well-deserved reputation for selfless service, routinely going into harm’s way to disarm unexploded ordnance,” Bamberger said. “This team makes areas safe for follow-on crews deployed worldwide in support of the Global War on Terrorism, onboard NAWS China Lake, and in the surrounding community. Thank you for your outstanding dedication to duty and service to our nation and to our community.”

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PHOTO CUTLINE: China Lake EOD members received the following recognition for their support in the train car inspection: Pictured left to right: QMC(EOD/SS) Troy D. Williams, Navy Commendation Medal; BM1 (EOD/PJ) Chirstopher M. Terle, Navy Achievement Medal; OSCS (EOD/PJ) Michael Aramanda, Navy Achievement Medal; HM2 (FPJ/DV) James Smith; COL Mark Bamberger; GM1 Jason P. Leonard, Navy Achievement Medal; EN1(EOD/SW) Scott Williams; LT Gareth Healy. Absent: BMCM (EOD) Vincent Vargas Jr., Meritorious Service Medal and LT Gregory W. Saybolt, Navy Commendation Medal.